JAMMU: In a significant enforcement action, the Department of Food & Drugs Administration (DFCO), Jammu, under the leadership of Commissioner FDA J&K Smita Sethi, successfully busted a large-scale food adulteration racket in Bishnah, today.

Acting on specific intelligence, a joint team of Food Safety Officers, in collaboration with the Police and Revenue Department officials, raided a cold storage facility at the Co-operative Society, Tehsil Bishnah.

During the inspection, an alarming quantity of adulterated sweets (Rasgullas)-approximately 440 quintals contained in 2750 tins-was seized. These products were suspected to pose a significant threat to consumer health and public safety.

The enforcement operation was spearheaded by Joint Commissioner (Food Safety) Sanjeev Kumar and supported by Deputy Commissioner Food Safety (Jammu Division) Madan Magotra and Deputy Commissioner, ICIL Jammu Pankaj Soni. The Food Safety Officers involved in the raid included Vijay Verma, Zulfkar Malik, and Khaminder Choudhary.

During the inspection, the team discovered that the adulterated food was stocked in a Cold store run by Bishnah Cooperative Marketing Society and the Food Business Operator (FBO) was running the establishment without a valid license and in gross violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006. Legal action has been initiated against the defaulters under the relevant provisions of the Act.

As part of the operation, two random legal samples of the suspected sweets were lifted by FSO Zulfkar Malik and sent to the National Food Laboratory (NFL), Ghaziabad for detailed analysis. The outcome of the laboratory report will determine further punitive actions.

Commissioner FDA Smita Sethi emphasized the department's unwavering commitment to consumer safety and public health, especially in view of the upcoming festive season. She reiterated that such malpractices-especially prevalent during the summer-pose serious health risks and will be dealt with stringently. Special drives have already been launched across the Jammu Division to curb food adulteration, and these will continue with intensified vigilance.

The Department also urges all food business operators to maintain hygiene and comply with safety regulations. Specific instructions have been issued against the sale of cut fruits, usage of unpermitted food colors, and sale of uncovered or improperly stored food items.

The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any food safety violations. For any complaints related to food quality or safety, the Department can be reached on the toll-free number: 104.

This large-scale seizure marks a milestone in the department's efforts to eliminate adulteration and uphold food safety especially in view of the upcoming festive season. The Department of Food Safety (DFCO), Jammu, remains committed to enforcing the FSS Act in letter and spirit and will continue to take proactive steps to ensure safe, pure and hygienic food for the citizens of Jammu & Kashmir.